UK Banned Third Party Sales of Puppies and Kittens after Heartbreaking Viral Story

Recently, Animal Welfare Minister David Rutley announced
that the UK government has banned third party sales of puppies and kittens
below the age of 6 months.

The decision will help bring to an end the horrible welfare
conditions found in puppy farming and solve a variety of existing animal
welfare problems. This means that those people who want to adopt a pet will
have to go to breeders directly or choose animal shelters, instead of a pet
shop or other commercial dealer. It will
also make breeders more accountable for animal welfare and will make it
difficult to sell illegally smuggled dogs and cats.

“This ban on third party sales of puppies and kittens is
part of our commitment to make sure the nation’s much-loved pets get the right
start in life. I pay tribute to the Lucy’s Law campaign and the many
stakeholders who have passionately campaigned for this ban. Today’s decision
builds on our previous action in this area, including banning the sale of
puppies under eight weeks and tackling the breeding of dogs with genetic
disorders,” Rutley said during a visit to Battersea Cat and Dogs Home.

The new law was taken following a successful campaign
against puppy farming, which was sparked by a dog named Lucy who was rescued
from a farm and endured years of exploitation.

Lisa Garner, who rescued Lucy, stated “We launched Lucy’s Law a year after her passing as a tribute to her and all the breeding dogs that are hidden from the public.” Dogs are usually held by breeders in terrible conditions and are forced to produce litters of puppies. “Her body was broken when she was rescued at five years old,” veterinarian Marc Abraham, told BBC 5 Live about Lucy’s condition.